Lyla Dejesus
Bustle hoops can be used to secure the train of a wedding dress, allowing the bride to move around with ease. While bustles can add to the glamour of a wedding gown, they can also be challenging to move in, especially on the dance floor. There are two main types of bustles: the French bustle (or underbustle) and the American bustle (or over bustle). The French bustle is created by tucking the train underneath the dress, while the American bustle lifts the train and hooks it over the top of the gown. The choice of bustle depends on the style and fabric of the dress, as well as personal preference. While bustle hoops can be visible, especially on certain fabrics and styles, many sources advise brides not to worry too much about this, as guests will be focused on the bride's happiness and smile rather than tiny details on the back of the dress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose of a bustle | To secure the train or any extra fabric of a wedding dress to prevent it from dragging on the floor, allowing the wearer to move around with ease and dance freely. |
| Who does the bustling? | The maid of honor, a bridesmaid, the bridal party, the wedding coordinator, or a family member. |
| When is the bustling done? | Before the bride's first dance or reception entrance. |
| Types of bustles | French/under bustle, American/over bustle, ballroom bustle |
| Factors determining the type of bustle | Silhouette of the dress, fabric, length of the train, personal style choices |
| Appearance | Hooks, ties, buttons, ribbons, or a combination of these. May be invisible or visible depending on the style and fabric of the dress. |
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What You'll Learn
- Bustles are intended to add to comfort and mobility, not impede it
- Seamstresses can advise on bustle options and styles
- There are two main types of bustle: over and under
- The American bustle, or 'over bustle', is the most common
- The French bustle, or ''under bustle', is the reverse of the American bustle
Bustles are intended to add to comfort and mobility, not impede it
A bustle is a padded undergarment or wire frame used to support the drapery at the back of a dress. Bustles are intended to add comfort and mobility, not impede it. They are designed to fit the body and the natural fall of the dress, so they shouldn't be constricting.
Bustles are often used in wedding dresses to secure the train and allow the bride to move around freely. There are many types of bustles, and nearly all full-length gowns have hooks, ties, or buttons sewn into the train to create a uniform hemline. A talented seamstress can help determine the best type of bustle for a particular dress. For example, an American bustle (or over-bustle) has hooks at the waistline to lift and hook the train over the top of the gown. On the other hand, a French bustle (or under-bustle) uses hooks to pick up the train and tuck it under the silhouette of the gown.
While bustles are a great option for comfort and mobility, they are not always necessary. For example, a gown with only a few inches of train can simply trail behind the wearer, and adding a bustle might look accidental. Additionally, wrist loops are becoming a popular alternative to bustles, although they can hinder the wearer's ability to move their arms freely. Ultimately, the decision to add a bustle or not depends on the individual's preferences and what will make them most comfortable.
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Seamstresses can advise on bustle options and styles
There are two main types of bustle: an under-bustle and an over-bustle. An over-bustle, or American bustle, has one or more hooks on the top of the train that are lifted up and hooked over the top of the gown. This style can have one, three, or even five bustle pick-up points for an ultra-dramatic look. An under-bustle, or French bustle, is the opposite, with hooks or ties that pick up the train and fold it under itself.
A ballroom bustle is one of the most flattering wedding dress bustle types because it completely hides the train without changing the look of the dress. This style gives the illusion of a floor-length gown, with an even fuller bottom thanks to the extra fabric attached underneath. A royal bustle is a more elaborate version of the French bustle, with more pick-up points, creating a fancier, vintage feel.
If you don't want a bustle, you don't have to have one. You could buy a dress without an extravagant train, have the train shortened, or get a second dress.
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There are two main types of bustle: over and under
A bustle is a fastener or set of fasteners attached to the back of a wedding dress that lifts the train off the floor. This allows the bride to move around with ease, without the train impeding her comfort or mobility.
An under bustle, also known as a French bustle, is the opposite of the American bustle. Hooks or ties pick up the train and fold it under itself. This technique favours gowns that have a more natural waistline. The ribbons attached to connect and secure the fabric can have numerous pickup points for extra flair. The French bustle is perfect for fuller gowns and gowns of any fabric.
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The American bustle, or 'over bustle', is the most common
The American bustle, also known as an over bustle, is the most common type of bustle. It is often chosen for its ability to transform a dress silhouette from the back, making the train disappear. This style can have one, three, or even five bustle pick-up points for an ultra-dramatic look.
The American bustle is executed by folding the skirt to the front or face of the dress. This is done by using hooks or buttons at the waistline of the dress or at the start of the skirt flare on a fitted dress. These buttons or hooks are virtually invisible on an A-line or ball gown with a full skirt and intricate details. The American bustle is best suited for dresses with a natural waistline and can sometimes add more fullness to the skirt.
The over bustle is often preferred for its ability to create a seamless transition from a cathedral-length train to a manageable floor-length gown. This style is ideal for brides who want to show off the beautiful detail of the train and the back of the dress during their grand entrance into the reception. It is also a popular choice for those who want to move freely on the dance floor without their train getting stuck, caught, or stepped on.
When deciding on a bustle style, it is essential to consider the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how you plan to wear your dress. Consulting with a skilled seamstress is recommended to determine the best type of bustle for your wedding dress. They can guide you through the process and help you achieve your desired look.
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The French bustle, or ''under bustle', is the reverse of the American bustle
A bustle is a type of wedding dress alteration that allows brides to move around more easily, especially if their dress has a long train. It is a way of securing the fabric of the gown's train, lifting it off the floor and attaching it to the back of the dress.
The French bustle, also known as the Victorian bustle or under bustle, is the reverse of the American bustle. The American bustle, or over bustle, has hooks scattered throughout the waistline of the dress, which lift the train and hook it over the top of the gown. This can create a dramatic look, with one, three, or even five bustle pick-up points. The French bustle, on the other hand, uses hooks or ties to pick up the train and fold it under itself, creating a more understated, two-layer hem. This style often includes ribbons to connect and secure the fabric, adding extra flair.
The French bustle is particularly suited to gowns with a more natural waistline. It is a good option for brides who want to be able to dance and move around comfortably at their reception without a long train getting in the way. It is important to choose the right type of bustle for the silhouette of the gown, the amount of fabric, and how the bride plans to wear her dress. A skilled seamstress can advise on the best option and create a bustle that fits the bride's body and the natural fall of the wedding dress.
When it comes to bustling a wedding dress, it is usually a maid of honour, bridesmaid, parent, or close friend who is assigned the task. It is helpful for this person to attend the final dress fitting to learn how to bustle the dress directly from the seamstress. On the wedding day, bustling the dress should only take a couple of minutes if the helper is familiar with the process.
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Frequently asked questions
A bustle is a series of hoops, buttons, ties, or snaps that alter the wedding gown to lift the train. This allows the bride to move around freely without tripping over the train.
There are two main types of bustles: an under bustle and an over bustle. An under bustle, also known as a French bustle, has hooks or ties that pick up the train and fold it under itself. An over bustle, also known as an American bustle, has hooks on the top of the train that lift it up and hook it over the top of the gown.
When choosing a bustle, consider the silhouette of the dress, the fabric, the length of the train, and your personal style. A talented seamstress can help you decide which type of bustle is best for you and the look you want to achieve.
To ensure your bustle looks good, it is important to enlist the help of your maid of honor, a bridesmaid, or a family member to practice bustling your dress before your wedding day. Additionally, consider choosing a seamstress who has experience with bustles and can show you examples of their past work.
